Picture a warm room filled with smiling friends and family, cozy sweaters, autumn décor, and drinks enjoyed after a fantastic Thanksgiving meal. After all, isn’t that every hostess’ goal?
Our tendency to romanticize the holidays shouldn’t be considered a flaw. Instead, lean in to it. Prioritize harmony in your home with less stress and an unforgettable evening for everyone. Early prep can help the day run smoothly, and while you may not be able to cook ahead of schedule, you can certainly set the table.
Select your space
Your guest count and available space should guide the rest of your decisions. Determine how many place settings you’ll need and how you’ll fit everyone comfortably. Will you want one long table for the group or cozy overflow areas for a kids’ table or rowdier revelers?
“Mental health is the number one priority,” says Natalya Novick, creative director from The Paloma in Reno. “Gone are the days of focusing entirely on staging a perfect family photo for your holiday card during Thanksgiving celebrations. Lose the decorum and focus instead on having fun while creating a unique experience tailored to the interests of your guests.”
And don’t be afraid to buck traditional décor.
If your family loves musical theater, try a fun Hamilton-inspired party design. If your guests are more comfortable in rancher boots and flannel than they are in formal attire, design a Cowboy Christmas-inspired table. The comfort and enjoyment of you and your guests matters most.
To create cohesion, carry elements of your theme into each space guests will encounter. For example, use the same colors when designing the kids table as you do elsewhere, even if the décor changes slightly.
Center of attention
“The Paloma’s rule for designing centerpieces is that they can’t be overwhelming, they cannot block anyone’s view, and they should be as organic as possible,” Natayla says.
She recommends incorporating items you already own and elements of the natural world.
Choose a cherished family heirloom and design the table around it to lean into the nostalgia of the holiday. Pinecones, garden stones, vases filled with chia seeds to hold candles, or other natural elements can evoke the earth’s natural bounty. The less plastic you have to store or repurpose afterward, the better.
Alignment and contrast
Two of the most important elements according to Natayla are alignment and contrast when it comes to the overall look and feel of the tablescape. Create alignment by sticking to a cohesive color palette for the placemats, linens, and plates. Create contrast by incorporating different textures for those elements, even with glassware.
Repetition
“Everything is beautiful in repetition,” Natayla says, recounting her extensive educational background in design. “Remember that abundance creates an elevated feel.”
She recommends selecting three to four different sizes and heights of whatever your centerpiece elements are and spreading them throughout the table, leaving space for the dishes that you’ll eventually place there. Set the table mindfully so that you won’t have to move much, if anything, when the meal starts and the dishes are incorporated into the tablescape.
Eco-friendly assistance
When you’re able, use the things you already have so you can minimize the need to purchase additional items. Take an early inventory of your serving dishes, glasses, cutlery, linens, placemats, tables, chairs, and elements like vases and candle holders that you want to use, and if you don’t have what you need, instead of buying something that you may never use again, rent it.
“If you plan to use something annually or want to invest in a timeless heirloom you can pass down from one generation to the next, I’d recommend buying, but if you’re looking for a unique, eco-friendly solution for a one-time use, renting can be an excellent solution,” says Karen Nichols, president of Red Carpet Rentals.
Renting makes cleanup a snap. Simply scrape the food off the items and re-box them to be returned after the festivities —you can often leave the washing and sanitizing to the rental company. While you may get lucky with a last-minute request, Karen recommends reserving your items at least two weeks in advance.
Local flair
The more personalized the experience, the more meaningful it tends to be. Incorporate your favorite local vendors into your party, creating a distinctive experience and a fun story that you can share with your guests as you break bread.
“One really fun way to do this is to literally take the glasses you intend to use to your favorite supplier, like Nevada Sunset Winery, and ask them what wines or beverages may work best for what you have,” Natayla says. Share their recommendations with your friends and family as you enjoy sipping together.
Above all else, focus on the fun and don’t try to overdo it. Less is more with holiday gatherings—people will remember connecting with you over a shared meal more than they are likely to remember if your centerpiece was slightly too tall.
“Remember that abundance creates an elevated feel," - Natayla Novick
"If you’re looking for a unique, eco-friendly solution for a one-time use, renting can be an excellent solution,” - Karen Nichols